Transition metal molybdenum (tungsten) carbide as catalysts for dry reforming of methane: A mini-review

ABSTRACT

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions or collecting and converting existing greenhouse gases has become a global concern. One of the most effective methods of utilizing CH₄ and CO₂ resources is the dry reforming of methane (DRM). Transition metal carbide catalysts have attracted wide attention because of their excellent catalysis performance and carbon deposition resistance. However, pure-phase carbides are easily oxidized and deactivated at atmospheric pressure in DRM reactions. There is a problem of poor dispersion (Mo₂C 17 m²/g). Therefore, this paper summarizes the effects of adding active sites and supported carbides on the DRM reaction, discusses the role of active sites and supports in the catalyst, and introduces the different preparation methods of transition metal carbides. This paper also reviews the catalyst mechanism of transition metal carbides in DRM reactions. Nevertheless, the current research in this field needs to be deepened. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the exploration of various catalyst preparation methods and mechanisms, so as to realize future improvement in this field.

KEYWORDS:

• Transition metal carbides
• dry reforming of methane
• methane
• carbon dioxide
• CH4
• CO2

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the program for the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 22078226).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [22078226].

Notes on contributors

Shanshan Duan

Shanshan Duan is a Ph.D. majoring in chemical engineering and technology at the Taiyuan University of Technology. Her current research field involves the synthesis of compound materials as well as their applications in the dry reforming of methane. E-mail: [email protected].

Yongkang Lv

Yongkang Lv is currently a full professor in the state key laboratory of clean and efficient coal utilization of the Taiyuan University of Technology. He has more than 20 years of research experience in wastewater treatment and heterogeneous catalysis. E-mail: [email protected].